Scope sleeve

Abstract

A scope cover is disclosed for use with a scope such as an endoscope that is inserted into a cavity. The scope cover preferably includes an elongated tubular body having internal ribs or grooves to retain a lubricant. An external flange extends radially outward from the tube body to prevent the tube from being inserted too far into the cavity. In use, the scope is inserted into the scope cover and both the scope and scope cover are inserted into the cavity. The scope cover is inserted no more than the depth of the flange, while the scope can continue to be inserted by sliding it through the scope cover.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A scope cover for use with a scope of the type having a working end attached to a substantially tubular scope body, the scope cover comprising: 
 a substantially tubular scope cover body, the scope cover body having a first end and a second end, wherein the working end of the scope is removably insertable into the first end, through the scope body, and extendable out of the second end.    
     
     
         2 . The scope cover of  claim 1 , wherein the scope cover body is formed from a flexible material.  
     
     
         3 . The scope cover of  claim 2 , wherein the flexible material is latex.  
     
     
         4 . The scope cover of  claim 2 , further comprising a means for preventing the second end of the scope body from being inserted into a cavity.  
     
     
         5 . The scope cover of  claim 2 , further comprising a flange attached to the scope cover body between the first end and the second end.  
     
     
         6 . The scope cover of  claim 5 , wherein the flange is substantially circular in cross-sectional shape.  
     
     
         7 . The scope cover of  claim 6 , wherein the first end of the scope body and the second end of the scope body each have an outside diameter, and further wherein the outside diameter of the first end of the scope body is smaller than the outside diameter of the second end of the scope body to form a seat for engagement of the flange where the first end meets the second end.  
     
     
         8 . The scope cover of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of grooves extending longitudinally on an inside surface of the scope body.  
     
     
         9 . The scope cover of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of ridges extending longitudinally on an inside surface of the scope body.  
     
     
         10 . The scope cover of  claim 2 , further comprising a marking on the scope body indicating a transition from the first end to the second end.  
     
     
         11 . A method for inspecting an internal cavity with a scope of the type having a working end attached to a substantially tubular scope body, the method comprising: 
 placing the working end of the scope into a substantially tubular scope cover body, the scope cover body having a first end and a second end, wherein the working end of the scope is removably insertable into the first end, through the scope body, and extendable out of the second end; and    inserting the scope and scope cover into the cavity.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising extending the working end out the second end of the scope cover.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the scope cover body is formed from a flexible material.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible material is latex.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising lubricating the scope or the scope cover or both.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the scope is inserted into the cavity until the second end is approximately fully inserted.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the second end of the scope cover is greater than about 80 mm in length.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the working end of the scope is extended more than 80 mm beyond the second end of the scope cover.  
     
     
         19 . A scope for accessing an internal cavity, comprising 
 a working end attached to a substantially tubular scope body; and    a scope cover having a substantially tubular scope cover body, the scope cover body having a first end and a second end, wherein the working end is removably insertable into the first end, through the scope body, and extendable out of the second end.    
     
     
         20 . The scope of  claim 19 , wherein the working end is a camera lens.